Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge hosts many free public events throughout the year, including hiking, fishing, bird watching, and kayaking as well as various children’s programs. Check out all of our upcoming events on the events calendar.

Meet Our Friends

Meet Our Friends

The Friends of Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge is an independent non-profit association founded in 2006. The operations and activities are managed by an all volunteer board of directors. The purpose of the Friends of Wallkill River is to support the mission of the Refuge through promotion of environmental stewardship, biological programs, environmental education, recreational activities, land acquisition and habitat management and enhancement. For more information, visit their website or contact: pres@friendsofwallkillriver.org

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.

What's Happening

• A.T. Through Hikers Moving Early This Year

  

  Most years we see the northbound Appalachian Trail through hikers (those hiking the 2,100 mile trail in one season) in the month of July. But because of the mild winter this year, many hikers on the Appalachian Trail started their hikes earlier than usual and some are already passing through the refuge. Others are doing what is called a “flip-flop” hike. This means that they are starting their hike at a midway point such as Virginia or West Virginia, hiking to Maine then returning to their starting point and hiking south to Georgia. More people are being encouraged to do the hike this way because the trail has become so popular that it can be overloaded at the starting point with dozens of hikers starting at the same time. Another way to hike the trail is to start in Maine then hike south to Georgia. No matter how they do it, it is always enjoyable talking with hikers as they pass through the refuge. Pictured here are flip-flop hikers Stuart Samuels and Tony Clark – trail names Captain Panda and Midnight Strider. These gentlemen from North Carolina started their hike in Virginia.

• Comment Period Has Closed for Draft Great Thicket Land Protection Plan

  April 04, 2016

  In response to decreasing wildlife populations, conservationists have called for more protected and managed shrublands. To address this, the Service worked with partners to propose the Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge. A draft environmental assessment was distributed for public review and comment. The comment period has now closed.

  Learn more

• New Law Enforcement Hot Line Number

  Introducing the Division of Refuge Law Enforcement, National Wildlife Refuge System Turn In Poachers, or TIPs, hotline. Please contact this phone number to report any unlawful activities observed on the refuge. 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477).